Got the first set, they looked as though they may have been returned by another customer. The machines themselves were not visibly damaged, but the packaging looked used. At any rate, they come 4L and I needed 2L/2R. There is a very small allen screw opposite the tuning key the is supposed to be removed so that the key can be reversed. I tried and was not successful. The allen seemed to want to strip where the wrench goes in without loosening. I called Hipshot and spoke with a tech. who told me that I needed to use a 1/16th wrench, which is what I was using. I thought that maybe the set was defective so I returned them to MF. Great cust. service by the way, and had them ship a new set. Same problem with these. There should really be a Phillips head screw on these things.

I bought a set of these Hipshot tuners to replace the stock tuners on a Ned Steinbereger NXT 4 upright electric bass after one of the Steinberger's stock tuners failed. (It couldn't handle the low E string.) Bob Gollihur's excellent website recommends the Hipshots as replacement tuners for the Steinberger EUB.

The Hipshots are indeed top quality. They came in the same orientation, but their brilliant design allows them to be converted so they are 2R 2L. They are solid and handle the low E string (and the other bass strings) just fine.

I love my Steinberger EUB, but the stock tuners were not commensurate with the quality of the instrument. The Hipshots nicely match the otherwise top quality and design of the Steinberger. Ned - you should use Hipshots as your stock equipment.

One note - I mistakenly ordered the 1/2" size tuners because the holes in the headstock are about 1/2". The 1/2" refers to the size of the string post, not the hole in the headstock. Of course Musician's Friend made returning the 1/2" and getting the correct 3/8" size easy - one reason I like ordering from MF.

The site states that these are chrome but the only part that chrome is the shaft. The remainder is a textured satin gray. I am returning these as they are not what is stated on the site. The company said I have to pay for return shipping as a result I will not be returning to the site for any future business.

dStraight up only thing negative is the fact that the Handle itself is more of a silver, not so chrome. It wasn't bad enough to make me send it back though. Great tuning! Pluses are the gearing is way better than what came with my Ibanez SG300 Bass. I've only had it on for about a week or so. Worth buying.

MF good as usual and the 5 - 8 days shipping turned into 4 -5 making the pain from brushed chrome slightly less. I will miss flashing stage lights in peoples eyes from the keys... Breathlessly awaited my tuner set to repair a snapped one and get back to gigging without having to use a borrowed bass. When I ordered, the 3 choices are black gold and chrome - I had a look at the photo and of course thought chrome meant chrome. When I recieved the set, I saw the pegs are chrome as is the shaft on the key but the key head (Y portion) and the gear cover should more accurately be called brushed chrome perhaps. Thinking I got ripped off, went back the MF site and this time zoomed in on photo. Got what I ordered but calling it chrome is misleading - a Fender key is chrome - this ain't. Too late now, have to get it installed and liove with it. Looks and feels good from the box so far Seemed one of the more economical ones and heard it is good quality - free shipping from MF sealed the deal.

Hipshot HB6Y Ultralite tuning machines - Chrome I've been playing bass for over 20 years. The tuners were getting loose on my Ibanez, so I shopped for a new set. I noticed that the Fender American Deluxe models had these, so I thought I'd give them a try. What a difference! The first thing I noticed is that they feel very solid. Very precise. They stay in tune much better than the originals. The best part is that they can be reconfigured for left or right hand operation, so I can put them on a 2R+2L or a 3+1 headstock if I decide to put them on a different bass. When I can afford to, I'll definitely get a set for my other bass.

First, let me say that they are reversable. You can use them on either a straight 4 or 2x2 headstock. Hipshot's customer service is excellent, as is this product. The installation was seamless on my 2x2 headstock bass. They stay in tune and have a high gear ratio, and, as the name suggests, they are "ultra light." To convert from straight 4, you'll need a 1/16 allen wrench for the screw at the end of the key. The key will slide out and you can insert it into the other side. If you're not sure which size to get, contact Hipshot and they will help.